Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - While the Bills would rather be heading to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, a pair of players from Buffalo will head to Orlando, Fla. this weekend to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl Games.
The league announced on Tuesday that Bills running back James Cook and center Connor McGovern have been named to the Pro Bowl as replacement players. Cook will go to Orlando in place of Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, while McGovern will replace Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey.
This marks the second time that Cook has been named to the Pro Bowl in his career. The 25-year-old finished the regular season tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns, which also tied a franchise record in 2024 with Hall-of-Famer O.J. Simpson.
Cook finished his 2024 campaign with 1,009 rushing yards and his 16 touchdowns on the ground, while also picking up 32 receptions for 258 yards and two additional scores.
As for McGovern, he played a huge role for the Bills' offensive success, providing protection for Josh Allen under center, and also opening up the run game more this season. He helped Allen become the least sacked quarterback in the NFL this year.
The 27-year-old started each game at center this season, replacing Mitch Morse, who was released this past offseason.
Both Cook and McGovern join Dion Dawkins in the Pro Bowl Games after the veteran left tackle was named as a Pro Bowl starter earlier this month.
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Meanwhile, Allen, who was also named as a Pro Bowl starter for the 2024 season, will not participate in this year's events. He had said Monday that he was unsure if he would take part in this year's festivities after dealing with a wrist injury suffered during Sunday night's loss in the AFC Championship Game to the Chiefs.
Allen has not participated in each of the three Pro Bowls he has been named to in his career.
Replacing Allen at the Pro Bowl Games this year will be Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson.
The Pro Bowl Games begin Thursday with the skills competition, then the flag football competition will take place Sunday, Feb. 2.